Google is Allowing its NotebookLM AI Tools to Students Under 18

Google revealed a significant update to its Classroom suite, including new AI tools like as the introduction of NotebookLM for users under the age of 18, as well as free Gemini features for instructors. the first time minors have had access to the tool. Groups that employ LLM tools and evaluate their output more than nearly any other can now access some of the most potent tools available in the AI sector thanks to the increased offering.
A new “Gemini” tab will appear in Classroom for every instructor who has a Google Workspace account as of right now. providing resources for generating ideas for lessons, creating math problems, and writing emails, among other things. With the addition of “Gemini audio lessons,” users with Education Plus Edition accounts will be able to further enhance their experience. Teachers may monitor student performance using a new Analytics page, which will identify students who have recently improved or who are missing assignments and who require additional help.
Google intends to make its NotebookLM research and note-taking tool available to users under the age of 18 “in the coming months,” which is likely the most unexpected move. NotebookLM employs Gemini-powered AI to create interactive study aids and even podcast-style audio overviews based on teacher-supplied source papers. Up until now, this feature has only been available to adults and enterprise users. Teachers can now create personalized Gems, which are little Gemini agents based on curriculum subjects, that students can interact with to get further support.
Moreover, this capability goes a step further by enabling administrators to share Gems with the district’s teachers under their supervision, which can aid in lesson planning and other micromanagement tasks.
Google’s Class Tools, a new “help me create a form” function in Gemini, and Google Vids, a generative AI video creation tool, are some of the other new resources available to schools. Teachers may now control their students’ Chromebooks during a session by sending content to their displays and reducing distractions thanks to the Class Tools feature, which was revealed earlier this year. Teachers can send a workbook, video, presentation, or even a quiz straight to their students’ screens by establishing a direct connection with their accounts.
The extension follows a number of NotebookLM feature enhancements in recent weeks, including as the inclusion of interactive AI components and the ability to share whole notebooks via a single link. Additionally, NotebookLM added one of its greatest features podcast-style audio AI overviews for on-the go learning to Google Search.